Navratri 2026 Date: Is it October 10 or 11? Know the start date and full 9-day calendar from Durga Ashtami, Maha Navami and Vijayadashami

Navratri is one of the most significant Hindu festivals dedicated to Goddess Durga and her nine forms, known as Navdurga. In 2026, the nine-day festival will begin on October 11 and continue until October 20.

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Navratri 2026 Date: When Does It Start?

Navratri 2026 will begin on Sunday, October 11, with Ghatasthapana and prayers dedicated to Maa Shailputri. The festival is marked by nine days of prayers and rituals dedicated to different forms of Goddess Durga.

Navratri 2026 Day-Wise Calendar

October 11 — Day 1
Maa Shailputri: Navratri begins with Ghatasthapana and worship of Maa Shailputri.

October 12 — Day 2
Maa Brahmacharini: The second day is dedicated to Maa Brahmacharini.

October 13 — Day 3
Maa Chandraghanta: Devotees worship Maa Chandraghanta on the third day.

October 14 — Day 4
Maa Kushmanda: The fourth day is dedicated to Maa Kushmanda.

October 15 — Day 5
Maa Skandamata: Devotees worship Maa Skandamata on Panchami.

October 16 — Day 6
Maa Katyayani: The sixth day is dedicated to Maa Katyayani.

October 17 — Day 7
Maa Kalaratri: Devotees worship Maa Kalaratri on the seventh day.

October 18 — Day 8
Durga Ashtami: The eighth day is observed as Durga Ashtami, with prayers dedicated to Maa Mahagauri.

October 19 — Day 9
Maha Navami: The ninth day marks Maha Navami and is associated with worship of the Goddess and Navratri rituals.

October 20 — Vijayadashami
Dussehra/Vijayadashami: The Navratri festivities culminate with Vijayadashami, also known as Dussehra. Navratri parana and Durga Visarjan are also observed on this day in the cited calendar.

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Why Is Navratri Celebrated?

Navratri is dedicated to the worship of the nine forms of Goddess Durga. Each day is associated with a particular form of the Goddess, and devotees observe prayers, fasting and other religious rituals during the festival. The celebration culminates in Vijayadashami, which is associated with the victory of good over evil.